Name: Montecristo Petit Edmundo

Country: Cuba

Shape: Parejo

Size: (4 1/3 inches x 52)

Strength: Medium to Full

Cuban cigars are not my favorite cigars, but I do acknowledge that whenever I smoke one I taste the reasons why so many people love them. The Montecristo Petit Edmundo is one of them.

When guests come over to spend time at my place, I like to make them drink and smoke. That is how all great philosophical and political conversations begin, I believe. And I like having meaningful conversations.

So I first ask them what they would like to drink. “Whiskey, vodka, rum, gin, or maybe a beer? What would you like? There’s wine, too.” Their initial answer is always either “No” or “I’ll have whatever you’re having.” But I know they are just being mannerly when they say such things. So I ask them again. “No, really. What would you like? Come see my whisky collection, and maybe then you can decide.”

When the spirits are finally poured into the glasses, I bring out my humidor, open it, place it on the table in front of them, and say, “Gentlemen, enjoy.” And I swear that every time at least one of them will go for a Montecristo Petit Edmundo.